BS EDIT: US miscalculations deepen West Asia crisis

By Business StandardPublished On Mar 23, 2026

Miscalculation at the core

US and Israel underestimated Iran’s capacity for sustained asymmetric retaliation

Conflict expands

Iran’s strikes beyond expected theatres have widened the war’s scope and risks

No clear exit

Diverging US-Israel objectives have removed any credible path to de-escalation

Global ripple effects

Energy disruptions, sanctions shifts, and supply shocks are reshaping global markets

Strategic fallout

The crisis is strengthening Russia and emboldening China amid US distraction

Pressure on India

Rising oil prices and supply disruptions are weakening the rupee and fuel availability

Uncertainty prevails

With escalation continuing, prolonged instability remains the defining global risk